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Explore around 800,000 items that tell the story of modern war and conflict, collected by the museum since 1917.

IWM’s collection covers all aspects of conflict involving Britain, its former Empire and the Commonwealth, from the First World War to the present day. Everything we hold tells a story about the experiences of men, women and children caught up in conflict - from works by great artists, filmmakers and photographers to aircraft, tanks and firearms, and from intensely personal diaries, letters and keepsakes to pamphlets, posters and proclamations. These are among the most important personal, political, cultural and technological items held by any museum, nationally or internationally. Together, they reveal the experiences of conflict for the people who created, used and cared for them.

IWM supports and encourages research into the collection, which is open to the public by appointment. You can find out more about accessing the collections on our Research Facilitiespage.

The Sound Archive holds over 33,000 recordings relating to conflict since 1914. This consists of the largest oral history collection of its type in the world, with contributions from both service personnel and non-combatants as well as significant holdings of speeches, sound effects, broadcasts, poetry and music.

The museum archive manages IWM’s own administrative records, which date back to its foundation in 1917. They are public records and researchers may search some of the records online or book an appointment at the IWM London Research Room to consult these records.

The First World War Centenary Programme is a vibrant global programme of cultural events, exhibitions and activities, and online resources that connect current and future generations with the lives, stories and impact of the First World War.

The American Air Museum website records the stories of the men and women of the US Army Air Forces (USAAF) who served their country from the UK in the Second World War. It also records the memories of the British people who befriended them.